Spina Bifida Test 2

Question 1

What is Spina Bifida Occulta?

Answer 1

 Posterior vertebral arches fail to fuse (gaps in the spine, but no opening in the back)
• Noted by a patch of hair in the back that is concaved in a bit (like a dimple)
• Disturbed body image; situational low self-esteem (in adolescence)
• Tethered cord may have difficulty with bladder control, trouble walking and pain in the back

Question 2

What is Spina Bifida Cystica?

Answer 2

	Protrusion of meninges through the spine
•	Types:
o	Meningocele
	Filled with CSF
o	Myelomeningocele (myelodysplasia)
	Filled with the spinal cord and CSF

Question 3

How do you treat spina bifida?

Answer 3

o Clinical therapy:
 It is better for fetal surgery before 26 weeks gestation to improve cognitive and motor functions of the infant
o Interventions
 For neurogenic bladder is done early to prevent kidney damage
• Clean intermittent catheter may be needed every 3 to 4 hours
• Mitrofanoff procedure may be done to create a reservoir of urine and a stoma for catheterization in the umbilicus may be performed
 Diet should include high fiber
 Encourage self-care